BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – A 53-year-old foreign national from Hong Kong holding British citizenship has been arrested in Kuta, Badung, after police seized more than 1.4 kilograms of cocaine.
Denpasar Police Chief Senior Commissioner Leonardo D. Simatupang announced the case during a press conference on Wednesday (Feb 25, 2026). Due to current regulations, the suspect was not presented publicly during the briefing.
The suspect, identified by the initials BJ, was arrested at The Legian Mas Beach Inn on Jalan Lebak Bene, Kuta, on Saturday (Feb 14, 2026) at approximately 10:50 WITA.
“We uncovered approximately 1.4 kilograms of cocaine from a foreign national with the initials BJ. The suspect was born in Hong Kong and holds British citizenship,” Leonardo said.
Police estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at more than IDR 5 billion.
According to investigators, BJ was not acting alone. He was allegedly controlled by an individual he referred to as “Mic Bro.”
Police said BJ arrived in Bali on Dec 20, 2025, allegedly under instructions from his handler. Six days later, while staying at a hotel in Denpasar, he was approached by two unidentified individuals who handed him a shopping bag containing five large plastic packages of cocaine and two digital scales.
Authorities stated that BJ moved between hotels in an apparent effort to avoid detection before eventually staying in the Legian area. The cocaine was stored inside a backpack placed in a wardrobe in his room.
Leonardo said the suspect admitted that the narcotics were intended to be collected by another party, although this claim remains under investigation.
“He was promised payment of IDR 1 billion for transporting the goods, although according to his statement the money had not been fully paid,” Leonardo explained.
Police said BJ works as a carpenter in Hong Kong and claimed this was his first involvement in drug trafficking. While in Bali, he reportedly received IDR 10 million as operational funds and for accommodation costs.
Investigators also revealed that BJ admitted to consuming the cocaine. According to police, he mixed the substance with soda, heated it until solidified, and then smoked it using a metal pipe.
The arrest was made after officers observed suspicious behavior in front of the guesthouse.
BJ has been charged under Article 609 paragraph (2) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2026 on Sentencing Adjustments.
He faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment or a prison term ranging from five to 20 years, along with a maximum fine of IDR 2 billion.
Denpasar Police stated they remain committed to combating cocaine distribution within their jurisdiction.